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Strategic Complementarities in a Dynamic Model of Technology Adoption: P2P Digital Payments

Author

Listed:
  • Alvarez, Fernando
  • Argente, David
  • Lippi, Francesco
  • Mendez-Chacon, Esteban
  • Van Patten, Diana

Abstract

We develop a dynamic model of technology adoption featuring strategic complementarities: the benefits of the technology increase with the number of adopters. We show that complementarities give rise to gradual adoption, multiple equilibria, multiple steady states, and suboptimal allocations. We study the planner’s problem and its implementation through adoption subsidies. We apply the theory to SINPE Movil, a peer-to-peer payment app developed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. Using transaction-level data and user-specific networks that we construct from administrative records, we causally estimate sizable complementarities. In our calibrated model, the optimal subsidy pushes the economy to universal adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Alvarez, Fernando & Argente, David & Lippi, Francesco & Mendez-Chacon, Esteban & Van Patten, Diana, 2026. "Strategic Complementarities in a Dynamic Model of Technology Adoption: P2P Digital Payments," CEPR Discussion Papers 21211, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21211
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    JEL classification:

    • E4 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates
    • E5 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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